8:11am UK, Sunday December 30, 2001

Harry Potter creator JK Rowling has married her partner in a secret Christmas ceremony, it has been reported.

The 35-year-old millionaire author tied the knot with Dr Neil Murray 30, at a Boxing Day ceremony at her new home in Scotland.

SP JK Rowling at Harry Potter premiere

The News of the World said just 15 close friends and family were present at Killiechassie House, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, which the author bought two months ago.

Privacy

The bride wore a cream outfit, especially designed for her, and her eight-year-old daughter Jessica by her first husband was one of three bridesmaids, the paper said.

The others were Ms Rowling's sister Dianne, 33, and Dr Murray's sister Lorna.

Ms Rowling is known to be fiercely protective of her privacy.

It was reported that caterers were hired from 50 miles away in Edinburgh and wedding guests were sworn to secrecy.

The author's agent told the newspaper: "JK Rowling married privately on the 26th of December in their house in Perthshire. Immediate family attended the wedding."